$ PlainPropertyTax

North Carolina Property Tax Data

ACS 2024 property tax data for 100 counties in NC.

The average median property tax in North Carolina is $1,502/year, which is 25% below the national average of $1,993. The average effective tax rate is 0.67% on a median home value of $235,312. Taxes range from $778 in Bertie County to $4,162 in Orange County.

What This Data Tells Us About North Carolina

Across 100 counties in North Carolina, the average median property tax is $1,502 per year, 25% below the national median of $1,993. The statewide effective rate of 0.67% on a median home value of $235,312 reflects how North Carolina's assessment rules and local millage combine at the household level.

Within North Carolina, median annual tax ranges from $778 in Bertie County (effective rate 0.79%) to $4,162 in Orange County (effective rate 0.91%). Median home values in North Carolina ($235,312) compared with $227,791 nationally help explain why the same effective rate produces different dollar bills in different states. Within-state variation often tracks local school levies, county bonds, and municipal overlays rather than a single statewide rate.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Figures describe median homeowner households reported to the Census Bureau — individual bills can differ based on assessed value, exemptions, special districts, and local overlays. Always confirm current rates with your county assessor or a qualified professional before making decisions that rely on these numbers.

State Average vs National Average

Median Annual Tax
$1,502
-25% vs US avg
Median Home Value
$235,312
+3% vs US avg
Effective Tax Rate
0.67%
-27% vs US avg

Lowest Property Taxes in North Carolina

Counties with the cheapest tax bills →

Highest Property Taxes in North Carolina

Counties with the most expensive tax bills →

Tax Affordability Score

8.6
Very Affordable

Based on the average effective tax rate of 0.67% compared to the national average of 0.92%. North Carolina has below-average property tax rates, making it a more affordable state for homeowners.

Very Expensive Very Affordable

All Counties in North Carolina (100)

County Median Tax Effective Rate
Alamance County $1,494 0.62%
Alexander County $1,269 0.60%
Alleghany County $1,217 0.57%
Anson County $1,141 0.77%
Ashe County $1,190 0.49%
Avery County $1,010 0.38%
Beaufort County $1,300 0.67%
Bertie County $778 0.79%
Bladen County $1,227 0.91%
Brunswick County $1,890 0.54%
Buncombe County $2,222 0.57%
Burke County $1,253 0.68%
Cabarrus County $2,586 0.73%
Caldwell County $1,150 0.60%
Camden County $1,952 0.58%
Carteret County $1,423 0.43%
Caswell County $1,140 0.69%
Catawba County $1,407 0.58%
Chatham County $2,847 0.64%
Cherokee County $1,064 0.46%
Chowan County $1,677 0.71%
Clay County $1,186 0.43%
Cleveland County $1,286 0.64%
Columbus County $1,120 0.77%
Craven County $1,450 0.63%
Cumberland County $1,850 0.93%
Currituck County $1,760 0.46%
Dare County $2,391 0.52%
Davidson County $1,320 0.60%
Davie County $1,595 0.63%
Duplin County $950 0.69%
Durham County $3,092 0.79%
Edgecombe County $1,306 1.04%
Forsyth County $1,984 0.79%
Franklin County $1,834 0.65%
Gaston County $1,982 0.75%
Gates County $1,296 0.76%
Graham County $979 0.57%
Granville County $1,664 0.67%
Greene County $1,041 0.89%
Guilford County $2,174 0.84%
Halifax County $1,216 1.15%
Harnett County $1,689 0.69%
Haywood County $1,583 0.57%
Henderson County $1,810 0.52%
Hertford County $1,168 0.98%
Hoke County $1,465 0.67%
Hyde County $975 0.79%
Iredell County $1,952 0.61%
Jackson County $976 0.34%
Johnston County $1,908 0.62%
Jones County $964 0.74%
Lee County $1,785 0.74%
Lenoir County $1,015 0.84%
Lincoln County $1,856 0.58%
Macon County $1,074 0.43%
Madison County $1,362 0.48%
Martin County $1,168 1.06%
McDowell County $911 0.53%
Mecklenburg County $2,890 0.71%
Mitchell County $1,141 0.52%
Montgomery County $1,037 0.64%
Moore County $1,849 0.53%
Nash County $1,362 0.71%
New Hanover County $2,105 0.54%
Northampton County $1,239 1.08%
Onslow County $1,502 0.64%
Orange County $4,162 0.91%
Pamlico County $1,218 0.56%
Pasquotank County $1,573 0.67%
Pender County $1,883 0.63%
Perquimans County $1,375 0.59%
Person County $1,328 0.62%
Pitt County $1,734 0.83%
Polk County $1,697 0.54%
Randolph County $1,324 0.67%
Richmond County $1,138 0.89%
Robeson County $820 0.87%
Rockingham County $1,258 0.75%
Rowan County $1,554 0.65%
Rutherford County $1,178 0.58%
Sampson County $1,130 0.75%
Scotland County $1,068 0.93%
Stanly County $1,385 0.57%
Stokes County $1,179 0.60%
Surry County $1,071 0.60%
Swain County $859 0.41%
Transylvania County $1,674 0.45%
Tyrrell County $1,331 0.81%
Union County $2,396 0.57%
Vance County $1,256 0.78%
Wake County $3,260 0.71%
Warren County $1,093 0.71%
Washington County $1,252 0.99%
Watauga County $1,386 0.39%
Wayne County $1,249 0.70%
Wilkes County $1,002 0.59%
Wilson County $1,471 0.79%
Yadkin County $1,220 0.67%
Yancey County $1,157 0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average property tax in North Carolina?
The average median property tax paid in North Carolina is $1,502 per year, based on ACS 2024 data. The average effective tax rate is 0.67%.
How does North Carolina compare to the national average?
North Carolina property taxes are 25% below the national average. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,502 per year compared to $1,993 nationally.
Which county in North Carolina has the lowest property taxes?
Bertie County has the lowest median property tax in North Carolina at $778 per year with an effective rate of 0.79%. The highest is Orange County at $4,162.
How are property taxes calculated?
Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a property by the local tax rate (mill rate). Rates vary by county, city, and school district. The effective tax rate shown here is the median tax paid divided by the median home value, which provides a standardized comparison across counties.
What is the median home value in North Carolina?
The median home value across North Carolina is $235,312, compared to $227,791 nationally. Home values directly impact property tax bills since taxes are assessed as a percentage of property value.
Can I appeal my property taxes in North Carolina?
Yes. Every North Carolina homeowner has the right to appeal their property tax assessment. The process typically starts at your county assessor's office within 30-90 days of receiving your assessment notice. You can challenge the assessed value by providing comparable sales data, evidence of property condition, or errors in the assessment. See our guide on how to appeal property taxes for detailed steps.

Property Tax Guides

Related Data for North Carolina

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Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by Kiznis Studio Editorial